"Enter," Loki called out, looking up.
"Majesty," Livunn greeted as she entered, a sheet of parchment in her hands. "I have an inquiry from the palace tailors, if you have a moment?"
Loki's eyebrows shot up. "Anotheroutfit?"
"Aye," Livunn smiled. "They are thinking of the treaty signing ceremony."
Ah, aye, such an occasion would normally require a new outfit.
"What do they wish to know?"
Livunn stepped forwards and handed him the parchment. It contained quite an elaborate pattern and it took Loki a moment to see it actually consisted of several different patterns or symbols, all cleverly combined into one, large pattern. What was more, he recognized sub-patterns or symbols from Vanaheimr, Álfheimr and Niðavellir as well as Ásgarðr within it. There were also a few which looked different enough from what he recognized to suspect they were from either Jötunheimr, Múspellsheimr or the ancient culture on Niflheimr. There was even an old Norse symbol in there which Loki recognized from Miðgarðr a few centuries back.
"They would like to know if you are happy for this pattern to be sewn onto the cape they would make for the ceremony," Livunn said.
"Aye, of course," Loki replied, brushing his fingers across the parchment.
'Twas beautiful and he knew enough about tailor notes to recognize the little symbol used to denote the inclusion of gemstones or crystal shards, so he had no doubt the finished ensemble would be a masterpiece, much like all of his others lately. He could only wonder if the tailors had been sitting on this pattern for a while, in the vain hope Óðinn might one day allow it, or whether it had been drawn up now, especially for him.
"Only please have Lord Aðalgrímr assign someone to check all of the symbols used first," Loki continued. "To ensure none of them are culturally sensitive or have connotations we do not wish to be associated with."
"Oh, of course," Livunn promised, looking startled.
Loki smiled at her. "Trust me, there is a veritable minefield of possible political pitfalls here."
"Hopefully they have already looked into it, but I will ensure 'tis checked before informing the tailors you are happy with it," Livunn ensured him.
"Thank you."
"Do you require anything else before I go?"
"Actually, speaking of the tailors, do you know if there is a new one recently?"
"Aye, a ljósálfr. Why?"
"Oh, I was simply wondering at the shift in style and details on some of my new outfits."
"Do you not like them?" Livunn frowned. "They seemed to be in your style."
"Nay, nay, they are," Loki reassured her. "They have simply had details pertaining to seiðr and traditions not previously used."
"Shall I pass on your compliments?"
"Please."
With that and a reminder lunch would be arriving soon, Livunn curtsied and left. Loki frowned as he watched her go. Lords Aðalgrímr and Ragnvaldr's words from before, about Álfheimr and the unusual behavior of her queen, echoed in his ears as he thought of this new development. It could be a mere coincidence the new tailor was ljósálfar, but he was not terribly fond of coincidences. Nor of leaving things up to chance, particularly where security was concerned and, if Queen Sága was paying undue interest in him, then 'twas definitely a potential security concern of Ásgarðr's.
"Yngvarr," Loki said, turning to look at the lieutenant-general.
"Your Majesty?"
"Could you please have someone check on our newest tailor?"
Lieutenant-General Yngvarr's forehead creased in concern. "You fear they are not as they seem?"
"Let us simply say Queen Sága has been paying particular attention to Ásgarðr and myself lately."
"Understood."
"Lords Ragnvaldr and Aðalgrímr are aware of the other incidents and may be able to aid you in identifying what to look for. It may be nothing, but..."
Loki trailed off as he tried to figure out what Sága may be up to. Aye, she could know of what he had done, but he thought it unlikely. He had oft been told to be careful of visions of the future or prophecies, as they were notoriously unreliable and fickle. Not to mention difficult to interpret correctly, something which was oft only possible after the events in question had fully unfolded.
Yet, if not that, then what? Aye, Ásgarðr was far more vulnerable than normal, but Álfheimr was a close ally of theirs. While it would not be the first time in history one of those betrayed another, the ljósálfar had never been particularly warlike or aggressive, and it would not gain them a terrific amount for the level of turmoil and unrest within the Nine it would cause.
So, what was her interest in him?
"I shall ensure the tailor was properly vetted and inform Lord Ragnvaldr," Lieutenant-General Yngvarr promised.
"Good, thanks."
Unless something was found, Loki would have to leave the issue for another time. 'Twas yet one more thing in a long list of items vying for his attention, yet which he could not do anything about at present. It irked and made his general unease all the greater. Unable to ignore it anymore, Loki rose to his feet and began to pace.
He suddenly wished he had some duty elsewhere that would allow him to leave his study, which was suddenly the last place Loki wished to be. His pacing took him near the balcony and he stepped out on it impulsively. Moving to the balustrade, he glanced out over the city and out towards the Bifröst. The thought of what he would have done with it had Loptr not intervened crossed his mind and Loki forced himself to look away, not wanting to think of the Void and his apparent fall. Not after the details Lord Bragi had provided him with about Thanos and the Mad Titan's cruelty. It had only provided his already overactive imagination with more fuel to picture exactly what Loptr had undergone when his temporal twin had fallen into the creature's grasp.
Loki suddenly stilled as his eyes fell on a warrior garbed in full military attire walking through the street. There was nothing particularly unusual or surprising about it, other than the fact 'twas obvious the man had come straight from the training fields as his armor was caked with dust and grime. From what he had heard, General Týr was working all three tiers of warriors as hard as possible, preparing them for potential battle. Thus, Loki was certain what he was witnessing was a common sight on Ásgarðr at present, but it stirred a sudden longing within him.
While the past week had not even remotely been the longest stretch of time he had gone without training himself, 'twas different in that 'twas not due to all of his interest, attention and curiosity being consumed by one focus. Loki realized that alone might explain his restlessness. He was feeling trapped in the gilded cage of his regency and the lack of physical activity was compounding the mental stress and constraint with a buildup of pent-up physical inexertion as well.
"Lieutenant-General Yngvarr," Loki called, turning around and leaving the balcony once more.
"My Liege?" the man inquired, stepping forwards once more.
"I will be going out to the training fields later this afternoon," Loki stated. "After my meeting with Lords Ragnvaldr and Aðalgrímr."
"To view the warriors?"
"Nay," Loki began, before realizing he probably should. "Aye, but not simply for that. I have been inside at desks or tables too long, I need to move."
The lieutenant-general blinked before Yngvarr seemed to realize what he meant. "Of course, Majesty."
It did raise the question of whom he would train with. Normally, he would have sought out Thor as his brother was never not interested in training, but at present he would be far too fearful of accidentally injuring Thor to truly be able to work off the excess energy he seemed to possess. His only other regular sparring partners were now all in the dungeons and, while Loki had trained with others in the past - becoming accustomed to only a few particular and ultimately predictable styles was dangerous, after all - none were ones he felt he could approach easily at present.
"I would be honored to aid you if you wished to test the use of Gungnir in a battle scenario," Lieutenant-General Yngvarr offered, solving his dilemma and postulating a brilliant cover for those who would otherwise be inclined to sneer at the use of weapons like staffs, scepters or spears in combat.
Loki glanced back at Gungnir and frowned as he thought of using it in a more physical fight. 'Twas far longer than any of the staffs and scepters he had utilized in the past, and so would pose an entirely new challenge, but also a few interesting opportunities.
"I look forward to the challenge," Loki answered with a smile.
He knew from previous experience he did not need to worry about Lieutenant-General Yngvarr holding back, since the man was far too professional to allow a charge of his to be endangered because they had not been properly trained or tested. Despite that, Loki knew his current status would never be far from the lieutenant-general's mind as any blows which did reach him would need to be pulled so as not to truly injure him.
Týr's desk was piled high with parchmentwork and, while that in and of itself was not terribly unusual - he hated all of the government forms he was required to create, file or complete - the usual hills of parchment had turned into mountains and he knew Loki, unlike Óðinn, would notice if he fell too far behind in his administrative duties.
He grumbled about it under his breath, but Týr knew he could not truly complain as much as he might have thought he would if he had ever possibly been able to imagine Loki Óðinnson on Hliðskjálf instead of his elder brother. While Týr had no doubt his new king would order him to do the parchmentwork if it came to that, Loki was not being nearly as dogged or picky about it as he had previously been when being petty about some argument they had during the Council which the, then, prince had lost.
Let it never be said that Loki Óðinnson, regardless of title, could not make people's lives a living hel even without his tricks and seiðr. Looking back on it with the benefit of hindsight, Týr was actually rather impressed with how the young lad had wielded the administrative rulebook as a weapon.
'Twas a memory which had oft come back to Týr in the last few days as he had, grudgingly, been forced to admit, first to himself and then before others (damn that little trickster!), he may have miscalculated as far as Ásgarðr's youngest prince was concerned. The seiðr he had witnessed before, both in Iðavöllr and, to a far lesser extent, on the training fields, paled when compared to what King Loki was now showing himself capable of. And, while Týr fully understood their new regent had received a not insignificant power boost the day he had ascended to Hliðskjálf, he knew there was a critical difference to having power and possessing the skill to utilize it effectively. King Loki most definitely had the latter.
Strategically, it made brilliant sense - let the enemy underestimate you - but Týr dearly wished Loki had been a little more forthcoming with his allies about it. Though, after the two trials they had recently, he was beginning to understand why the young prince might have been reluctant to do so. He himself winced as he considered some of what he had said in the past, though some of it had been perfectly valid. Such as being able to fight and defend oneself without the aid of seiðr, in case 'twas not there when Loki might need it most. Týr knew enough about seiðr to know there were ways it could be blocked in a seiðmadr, and if there was one thing he had always refused to do, 'twas to see either prince left unable to defend themselves.
The reminder of Thor made Týr sigh. The elder... well not prince, not at the moment, would be here soon and he was not looking forward to this particular conversation. He had done as King Loki had suggested and had worked with Lord Ragnvaldr to draw up some new royal decrees to ensure what had transpired this past week would not ever occur again. It would by no means be enough in and of itself, but once he had started this and he knew whether the new peace treaty would hold, Týr planned to go through the army from top to bottom to ensure nothing like this could ever happen again under his command.
First, though, he had to inform Thor he would not regain his command with his titles and powers untilhewas satisfied Óðinn's eldest was actually ready for it. The fact there would be no actual storm and thunder as a consequence did little to assuage Týr, as he knew well Thor could create metaphorical ones easily enough even without his power. He would emerge victorious, though, as he had the backing of his king, and he knew Óðinn would not overturn this decision given what the members of Thor's last command had done. Nay, what worried him more was what this would do to his relationship with Ásgarðr's likely future king.
Before all of this, they had worked well together, being amicable though hardly friendly. He had been one of the princes' personal tutors and some of that dynamic still remained in both of their working relationships today. But on the day of the coronation, Týr could say he had possessed no hesitation about expecting to serve Thor by the end of the day instead of Óðinn.
It merely showed him for the fool he was. The clear fact many had apparently been fooled served as no comfort to Týr, even if Óðinn could reasonably be counted amongst them.
It merely proved he did not possess the gift of sight, but the knowledge not one, not two, not even three or four, butfiveof his warriors - and those widely deemed the best of them - had revealed themselves as traitors was almost a physical blow, and one from which Týr knew he still reeled and staggered from. Whether or not Óðinn would agree with his son's assessment of his own hand in the situation, Týr did not even care about. Nay, he was far too focused on ensuring it did not happen again as long as he was allowed the capability to do so. If it meant sacrificing his working relationship and future position on Thor's High Council, then that was a price he was willing to pay.
Besides, Týr mused, he would once have thought he could not have worked with Loki as king, given how heated and acrimonious their conflicts had become since the then young prince had joined the High Council, pushing anything but the military and seeking to undercut their funding. Týr even had to admit to thinking the second prince cowardly and weak at times as so many of the whispers and rumors said. He knew better now, of course, as no cowardly weakling could resist the number of blows Loki had sustained both during and since his ascension to Hliðskjálf, and many an honorable man had crumpled under that type of pressure. Thus, while they still might disagree on where the line lay between suing for peace and going to war, Týr did have to admit two things.
First, he no longer doubted Loki could and would give that order if necessary. And, second, given all he had heard of Jötunheimr's true situation, a new war would only result in a permanent guardianship of the Realm and he knew none of the warriors would like a post battle posting on Jötunheimr. It would be a hel of a situation and would come with mountains of parchmentwork as tall as Jötunheimr's infamous peaks.
Týr suddenly gazed at his desk critically. He wondered if King Loki would allow him to declare war on parchmentwork if not Jötunheimr. It should at least serve to make the young king smile, something none of them had done much of as of late. It did remind him he had to speak with Yngvarr later to ensure Loki was not working his way into an early Óðinnsleep of his own. Ásgarðr could not afford to change rulers again, not now of all times.
"Enter," Týr called out at the knock on his study door.
It opened to admit exactly whom Týr had known it would, and he would actually rather be going through his parchmentwork just now instead. Though, if it were not for Thor, he would not be doing even that, instead being outside to help prepare for the mock battles he was going to spend the rest of the afternoon putting the warriors through.
"Thor, thank you for coming, please have a seat," Týr greeted, trying to find the right balance between obeying King Óðinn's final command and still being aware and respectful of the young man's future position.
"Týr," Thor greeted as he took a seat, eyeing the mountains of parchmentwork as he himself had been earlier. "I have to admit to being rather surprised to receive your request. Is there something I can do to prepare the warriors after all?"
"Ah, nay, this is about a different matter."
"I see."
Much as he would rather not have to do this, Týr tackled it as he did any other problem. Namely head on.
"We need to discuss what transpired this morning at the trial," Týr explained. "The behavior of those sentenced was utterly unacceptable for warriors, let alone Einherjar."
Thor's shoulders slumped and he suddenly looked two millennia older. "I know. I was as horrified as you and am well aware of how Father would likely have dealt with them."
At least the lad could admit that much, but clearly Thor did not yet understand the root cause of the problem.
"Behavior like that does not spring up overnight, Thor," Týr stated, bluntly. "'Tis part of a pattern which grows over time, if not properly curbed, and here it clearly was not."
"I have never seen them like this before," Thor protested, brow furrowed as he looked directly at him.
"'Tis not what I have been told."
"Who dares?"
"That is not the point, Thor."
"But-"
"The point is this blatant lack of respect for the royal family in general, and King Loki in particular, is part of an ongoing pattern of behavior," Týr interrupted. "I have reports from multiple sources, many initially quite reluctant for fear of what you might say or do to them, all reporting the same thing."
"When? Where? I do not recall it."
"We are no longer speaking of individual instances, Thor. Most say the same thing; they cannot recall when was the last time they heard any of the former Warriors Four utilize King Loki's proper title or address him with the respect his position deserved. All report them simply referring to him as Loki exclusively, and some witnessed him being treated and dismissed as nothing but a servant."
"Of course we do not use our full titles, we are fri-" mid word Thor stopped dead and seemed to deflate before Týr's eyes. "Or rather, I thought we were all friends. It would seem I was rather mistaken in that."
'Twas all Týr could do not to stare at the former prince before him in astonishment.It would seem I was rather mistaken in that? Surely Thor could not be blind to all of the implications and ramifications of this?
He might have to start the remedial training further back than he had feared.
"Thor, did you allow them to stop utilizing the proper titles?"
Thor nodded immediately. "Of course, I wished us to form closer bonds and truly come to trust each other. I felt Loki's constant insistence on being addressed as 'prince' the whole time was creating an obstacle to achieving that. How could we bond with all of those stuffy formalities?"
Aye, 'twas truly so bad. Týr closed his eyes for a moment before he looked his renewed charge dead in the eyes.
"Your brother was correct, Thor, you were still a military unit. A highly specialized and small one to be certain, but an Einherjar unit nonetheless," Týr stated. "Which means the proper chain of command should have been clear and reinforced at periodic intervals."
"But that would have kept us further apart!" Thor protested, his volume, quite predictably, rising with each word.
"They were your men and unit, not a circle of friends you happened to go on adventures with."
Týr knew he had struck a chord with Thor by the way the younger man flinched. 'Twas another aspect of the reports which had worried him. The language the little group had apparently used. 'Adventuring', 'quests', 'seeking glory' and many others. It would appear this particular unit had deviated from its intended purpose quite a long time ago. Perhaps his adversarial relationship with Prince Loki was going to come back to haunt them after all, for Týr could not help but think if they had been closer then perhaps Loki would have come to him with his concerns after having been ignored and overruled by his brother.
'Twas clear Loki, at least, had understood the importance of maintaining the chain of command. Luckily, his current regent had already admitted to having made mistakes, including this one, so Týr knew he could speak openly and freely with him on the issue.
Now, to see if he could make the other Óðinnson see his mistakes.
"You get along well with Yngvarr," Thor protested.
Týr could not help but notice the lack of his second-in-command's title. Was it simply because they were having this conversation in private, where it was less critical, or was this part of a pattern of behavior for Thor?
"I do and, while I would consider him a friend, we do not forget our roles and the chain of command," Týr replied. "From what I saw at the trial, 'tis clear the latter was forgotten."
"Nay, 'twas not."
Týr bit back the first response which wanted to emerge. "Thor, the moment you were gone and they had to listen to your brother, they committed treason. If they did this while Loki is king, you cannot expect they would have done differently before."
"Why are we having words about Loki again?" Thor frowned.
Now Týr was confused. "You said they would obey the chain of command. I merely proved they did not."
"In this case."
"Thor, what reason do you have to believe they would do so in another?"
"Because they have. When I fell on Nornheimr, Volstagg took over, ensuring we all escaped."
Nornheimr? Týr could not immediately think of what instance this might be, but it hardly mattered.
"Was King Loki present?" Týr asked.
"Aye."
As his hand was below the desk to scratch an itch, Týr allowed himself to clench it. Did Thor truly think what he was saying was acceptable?
"Thor, when you were out with the others, who was your second-in-command?"
"We did not normally verbalize it, but it worked based on who knew the area best."
"Nay. 'Tis not a chain of command."
"But-"
"'Tis not. Due to his status at the time, your brother was and should always have been in charge when you were not there or unable to lead."
"But he is not as accomplished as the others!" Thor burst out.
"A leader is not always the one who can do any particular skill best, but someone trained in, and capable of, command," Týr snapped back. "And the good ones know when to ask for the advice of those more knowledgeable in a particular area than them if those situations arise. As your brother has demonstrated by calling on Lord Aðalgrímr and myself at various points to organize aspects of the Jötunheimr negotiations."
"Volstagg had more experience on Nornheimr."
Týr wondered if he himself was this difficult when he had been called stubborn and immovable.
"Thor-"
"'Tis true, and besides, Loki does not listen nearly as much as you seem to think he does. I have had to remind him of his place more than once."
"Like when he was attempting to prevent the outbreak of war on Jötunheimr?" Týr retorted.
With this, at least, Thor had the good grace to look ashamed.
"What does it matter now?" Thor questioned. "'Tis not like having words will alter what happened."
"Nay, but we need to ensure it never happens again, and to do so I need to determine what went wrong."
"How is this achieving that?"
"By making it clear to me I was mistaken in believing you were ready for your own command."
For a moment, Thor simply stared at him in shock, mouth hanging open, but Týr knew it would soon change. He was not wrong. Color rose on the elder Óðinnson's cheeks and anger twisted his features.
"What did you say?" Thor boomed.
"You have admitted to not enforcing the proper chain of command, which undermined King Loki's authority to such an extent your command attempted to usurp Hliðskjálf within hours of his ascending to it."
"'Tis not my fault!"
"A leader is always at fault."
"Oh, then you claim responsibility for their actions?" Thor demanded.
"I did."
Startled, Thor opened and closed his mouth for a moment. "But... what happened?"
"That is between myself and my own superior. Suffice it to say, King Loki charged me with determining what went wrong and recommending ways to correct it."
"By having words with me?"
"Nay, this is merely the beginning. We will meet both here and on the training fields until such time as I am satisfied you truly do understand what it means to lead men. Then, and only then, will you be allowed to have another command of your own."
"Nay."
That... was not the reaction Týr had expected.
"What did you say?"
"I said nay," Thor reiterated. "I will not submit to this andyoucannot force me to."
"At the moment I can, you are no prince of Ásgarðr now, Thor." 'Twas not a tactic Týr would have wished to utilize, but 'twas true nonetheless. "And even if you were, this recommendation comes with the full approval of your brother. If you wish to command more Einherjar in the future, youwillhave to submit to the remedial training."
Thor's face was a veritable thundercloud now and Týr knew 'twas only due to his lack of powers that there was no actual storm assaulting Iðavöllr at present.
Abruptly, Thor rose, turned about and stormed from the chamber. For a second Týr merely sat there, confused, before his eyes widened with alarm as he scrambled after his charge. Normally, he would not even consider the mere possibility, but if Thor did not view his brother as a worthy leader, as now seemed more likely given the conversation they had just had, then he may not be willing to submit to this command.
Týr rushed down the corridor and turned the corner from which he could see the door to the king's study. As he had feared, Thor was brushing aside the concern of one of the Einherjar stood outside and pulling open the door.
"Thor!" Týr called, attempting in vain to stop him, though he doubted it would work.
It did not.
Seeing him coming, one of Yngvarr's men held the door for him and Týr could see within. King Loki was at his desk with Lords Ragnvaldr and Aðalgrímr seated before him. All were now facing Thor, as were the few guards Týr could see. The latter had clearly reacted to the abrupt and unexpected entrance by moving forwards, hands already on the pommels of their swords.
"I am sorry, General, he insisted," the guard outside apologized. "And we had no commands to keep him out."
Týr waved it off and motioned for the door to be closed behind him. 'Twas hard for the guards to know what to do with Thor as he was so very fragile at the moment.
